The soon-to-be-updated Kia Picanto city car has been caught testing outside of Hyundai Motor Europe's headquarters in Germany ahead of its potential launch in Australia by the end of next year.

The heavily camouflaged light hatch bears black plastic and cladding over its front and rear ends, as well as on its doors. However, it is expected that this updated version will be a facelift, rather than an all-new model, so we'd expect to see changes to the headlights, grille, front bumper, taillights and rear bumper.

As you can see in the image below, the Kia staff aboard the Picanto weren't happy with our spy snapper getting these shots of the updated model.

It is likely the updated Picanto will follow the lead of the recently revealed Kia Rio facelift model, with a subtle change to the front-end including a new interpretation of the brand's 'tiger nose' grille. Expect revised headlight assemblies, too, as well as tweaks to the rear light clusters.

The below image also hints at some interior amendments, likely including a new media screen system and revised plastics and trims throughout the cabin.

“Picanto is seriously back on the agenda for Australia. It’s not a signed off project, but where it’s been a floaty idea in the background in the past, it’s now come back to a serious proposition,” said Kia Australia general manager of media and corporate communications, Kevin Hepworth, at last month's Paris motor show.